Police in Western Australia’s Goldfields region have charged two individuals following a series of alleged incidents, including a man reportedly trying to ram police vehicles with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
The situation unfolded early Monday when officers stopped a 19-year-old woman suspected of dangerously driving a stolen Toyota LandCruiser through bushland in northern Kalgoorlie, around 600km east of Perth.
According to WA Police, during the woman’s arrest, a 29-year-old man operating a Polaris ATV was ordered to stop but instead allegedly drove toward the arresting officer, forcing both officers to leap out of the way.
Police later found the ATV in a West Lamington laneway, where the man allegedly drove straight at a police vehicle, causing the ATV to roll and inflict major damage to the patrol car. Despite the crash, the two officers inside were able to detain him.
Authorities say the man was found with methamphetamine and that a search of a nearby property uncovered mercury, a stolen trailer and bobcat, and a paintball gun.
The man, from West Lamington, faces 12 charges, including assaulting police, evading arrest, possession of a dangerous substance, and unlawful possession of a paintball gun. Both he and the 19-year-old woman are scheduled to appear in Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court in June.
Police are still searching for a trailer with a small crane that was initially seen being towed by the stolen LandCruiser. It has WA registration KBC 962W, and the public is urged to report any sightings.
Goldfields-Esperance Acting Inspector Shayne Knox condemned the dangerous behaviour, saying it endangered lives and underscored the dedication of Kalgoorlie police to protecting the community.
